Carrier stock having tear-open tabs and integral handles

Abstract: Carrier stock (10) is disclosed, which has band segments (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) defining container-receiving apertures (14) and, optionally, defining integral handles (40), along with tear-open tabs (50) arranged in four-tab clusters. Each cluster includes two tabs (50) proximate to each other and connected by a single, frangible bridge, respectively on opposite sides of the transverse mid-line of a generally transverse band segment (34). Each cluster includes two tabs (50) proximate to each other and connected by a single, frangible bridge, respectively on opposite sides of the longitudinal mid-line of a generally longitudinal band segment (32). Each tab (50) extends from one of the band segments (38), outwardly from its respective container-receiving apertures (14). Each tab (50) and the band segment (38) with such tab (50) are slitted to define a series of frangible bridges between an additional aperture (26) bounded partly by such tab (50) and a container-receiving aperture (14). A package comprising containers (12) and a carrier (20) severed from such stock (10) is disclosed and illustrated in (Figure 1).

Description: This invention pertains to carrier stock for machine application to substantially identical containers to form packages. This invention pertains, more particularly, to carrier stock and resulting packages having tear-open tabs. Typically, carrier stock for machine application to substantially identical containers, such as cans or bottles, is formed, as by die-cutting, from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material. Such stock is formed with band segments defining container receiving apertures to receive the individual containers. Such stock is severable to form individual carriers. As exemplified in Weaver et al. U.S. Patent No. 4,557,375, it is known to form such stock with band segments defining integral handles, which are disposed within container-receiving apertures when such stock is unstressed. As exemplified therein, the band segments defining the integral handles are connected to other band segments by frangible bridges, which are broken when the carrier stock is applied to the containers. As exemplified in Marco U.S. Patent No. 5,020,661, it is known to form such stock with tear-open tabs, which extend from certain of the band segments defining the container-receiving apertures. As exemplified therein, each tear-open tab extends from one of the band segments into one of the container-receiving apertures when the carrier stock is unstressed. If an attempt were made to provide the carrier stock disclosed therein with band segments defining integral handles that were disposed within container-receiving apertures, as exemplified in the Weaver et al. patent noted above, the tear-open tabs would interfere with the integral handles. There has been a need, to which this invention is addressed, for carrier stock formed with tear-open tabs that would not interfere with machine application of such stock and that would permit such stock to be also formed with band segments defining integral handles, which would be disposed within container receiving apertures when such stock was unstressed. This invention provides carrier stock for machine application to substantially identical containers. Although carrier stock according to this invention has particular utility where the containers are bottles, such as blow-moulded bottles for beverages, carrier stock according to this invention has additional utility where other containers are used, such as beverage cans. According to this invention a carrier stock made from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material has integrally joined band segments defining container-receiving apertures arranged in longitudinal rows and transverse ranks to receive the individual containers, the band segments including generally longitudinal band segments and generally transverse band segments, said carrier stock having tear-open tabs, each tear-open tab extending from an associated one of the band segments defining an associated one of the container-receiving apertures, wherein selected ones of the generally transverse band segments define transverse mid-lines, along which said stock is severable to form individual carriers, characterised in that the end-most transverse rank of apertures in each individual carrier includes said tear-open tabs which extend away from the associated aperture creating radially extending clusters, the tear-open tabs of each cluster including two tear-open tabs on each side of such a transverse mid-line. The generally longitudinal band segments between the longitudinal rows of the container-receiving apertures have longitudinal mid-lines. The tear-open tabs of each cluster may include two tear-open tabs on each side of such a longitudinal mid-line. Thus, in a preferred arrangement, the tear-open tabs are arranged in four-tab clusters. Advantageously, this invention permits the carrier stock also to include at least one integrally joined band segment defining an integral handle, which is disposed within a selected one of the container-receiving apertures when the carrier stock is unstressed. Additionally, this invention provides a package comprising substantially identical containers in a generally rectangular array and a carrier obtained from stock in accordance with the first aspect of this invention. Particular embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a novel package comprising four blow-moulded bottles and a carrier, which is formed from carrier stock according to a preferred embodiment of this invention; Figure 2, on a larger scale, is a fragmentary plan of carrier stock according to the preferred embodiment noted above; Figure 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary detail taken from Figure 2; and, Figure 4, on a smaller scale compared to Figure 2, is a fragmentary plan of carrier stock according to an alternative embodiment of this invention. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, carrier stock 10 for machine application to substantially identical containers 12 constitutes a preferred embodiment of this invention. Such stock 10 is formed with separate apertures 14 to receive the individual containers 12. The carrier stock 10 is severable along transverse lines to form substantially identical carriers 20, one of which is shown fully. In Figure 1, a package is shown, which comprises four such containers 12 and one such carrier 20, as severed from such stock 10. In Figure 2, the carrier stock 10 is shown in an unstressed condition. As shown in Figure 1, the containers 12 are blow-moulded bottles of a type used commonly for soft drinks. Typically, such a bottle has a capacity of two litres, exclusive of head space. This invention is not limited, however, to usage with such bottles but is useful with cans, bottles, and other containers of various kinds. The carrier stock 10 is applied as to grip the containers 12 at their side walls 16. The carrier stock 10 is formed in an indeterminate length, as by die-cutting, from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material. A preferred material is low density polyethylene. A preferred thickness for such stock 10 in an unstressed condition, if low density polyethylene is used, is about 0.4 mm (16 mils). The carrier stock 10 is formed, for each individual carrier 20, with integrally joined band segments defining four container-receiving apertures 14 and one generally centred aperture 22 eliminating excess material. As shown in Figure 2, such apertures 14 are arranged in a generally rectangular array with longitudinal rows and transverse ranks, namely two longitudinal rows and three transverse ranks for each individual carrier 20. The carrier stock 10 also is formed, for reasons to be later explained, with additional apertures 24, 26, 28. The band segments defining the apertures 14 include relatively narrow, generally longitudinal band segments 30 at outer edges of the carrier stock 10 and each individual carrier 20, relatively wide, generally longitudinal band segments 32 between the longitudinal rows of the apertures 14, generally transverse band segments 34 defining transverse mid-lines, along which the carrier stock 10 is slitted, as shown, and along which the carrier stock 10 is severable to form the individual carriers 20, and relatively wide, generally transverse band segments 36 between the transverse ranks of the apertures 14. As shown in Figure 2, the band segments defining the apertures 14 also include curved band segments 38 joining the band segments 32 to the band segments 34, on each side of the transverse mid-line of each of the band segments 34. The generally longitudinal band segments 32 define a longitudinal mid-line. When the carrier stock 10 is applied to the containers 12, the carrier stock 10 is forced downwardly along the side walls 16 of the containers 12. Thus, as shown in Figure 1, the band segments 30 are turned downwardly. Moreover, the band segments 34, 36, are folded into generally U-shaped configurations, which open upwardly. The carrier stock 10 also is formed, for each individual carrier 20, with integrally joined band segments defining two integral handles 40 near diagonally opposite corners of the carrier 20. Each handle 40 is disposed within one of the apertures 14 when the carrier stock 10 is unstressed. The band segments defining each handle 40 are joined to one of the band segments 34, by two frangible bridges 42, and to one of the band segments 36, by two frangible bridges 44. The carrier stock 10 is slitted to form the frangible bridges 42, 44, which break when the carrier stock 10 is applied. The integral handles 40 are folded upwardly, as shown in Figure 1, when the carrier stock 10 is applied. The carrier stock 10 is formed with tear-open tabs 50 in four-tab clusters. Each tear-tab 50 extends from one of the curved band segments 38 and is positioned between longitudinal and transverse band segments 32, 34, and at acute angles relative to the longitudinal and transverse mid-lines noted above. Each tear-open tab 50 extends away from one of the apertures 14, namely the aperture 14 defined by such band segment 38 and by other band segments. Each cluster is comprised of four tear-open tabs 50, which are proximate to one another, and which are formed so as to be generally symmetrical in a rotational sense. In each cluster of four tear-open tabs 50, two tear-open tabs 50 are disposed on each side of the transverse mid-line defined by the band segments 34 on opposite sides of such cluster, and two tear-open tabs 50 are disposed on each side of the longitudinal mid-line defined by the band segments 32. The location and angular disposition of the tab 50 contributes to the tab 50 becoming angularly disposed to the surface of the container 12, as shown in Figure 1. This spacing facilitates the gripping of the tab 50 by the consumer. As shown in Figure 2, each tear-open tab 50 partly bounds an aperture 24, which is bisected by the transverse mid-lines defined by the band segments 34 on opposite sides of the cluster comprising such tab 50. Moreover, each tear-open tab 50 partly bounds an aperture 26, which is bisected by the longitudinal mid-line defined by the band segments 32. Furthermore, each tear-open tab 50 partly bounds an aperture 28, which is bisected by the transverse mid-lines defined by the band segments 34 on opposite sides of the cluster comprising such tab 50 and by the longitudinal mid-line defined by the band segments 32. An aperture 28 is centred among the tear-open tabs 50 of each cluster. Moreover, in each cluster, the carrier stock 10 is slitted from the aperture 28 centred among the tear-open tabs 50 of such cluster so as to define frangible bridges 52 connecting each tear-open tab 50 to two such tabs 50. Thus, on each side of each tear-open tab 50, a single frangible bridge 52 connects such tab 50 to another such tab 50. Furthermore, each tear-open tab 50 and the band segment 38 from which such tab 50 extends are slitted to define a series of frangible bridges between an associated aperture 26, which is bounded partly by such tab 50, and an associated aperture 14, which is bounded partly by such segment 38. As indicated in Figure 3, a first slit 54 extends from the associated aperture 26 into such tab 50, which has a second slit 56 normal to the first slit 54 and spaced from the first slit 54 by a frangible bridge 58. Moreover, the second slit 56 is spaced by a frangible bridge 60 from three parallel slits 62, which are parallel to the first slit 54. These parallel slits 62 are staggered, as shown, and are spaced from one another by frangible bridges 64 and from the associated aperture 14 by a frangible bridge 66. These slits and frangible bridges permit such tab 50 and the band segment 38 from which such tab 50 extends to be readily torn, so as to release a container 12 from the associated aperture, while leaving such tab 50 on the carrier 20. Whenever it is described above that the carrier stock 10 or parts of the carrier stock 10 are slitted, such stock 10 or parts may be so slitted by scorings, which are not cut entirely through the carrier stock 10, by slits cut entirely therethrough, or by plural perforations. In Figure 4, in which primed reference numbers refer to elements similar to elements referenced by similar, unprimed reference numbers in Figures 1 and 2, carrier stock 10' is shown, which constitutes an alternative embodiment of this invention. The carrier stock 10' is similar to the carrier stock 10, except that the carrier stock 10' is formed with a single handle 40' for each carrier 20', and except that each tear-open tab 50' and the curved band segment 38' from which such tab 50' extends have one fewer slit 62' and one fewer frangible bridge 64'. A carrier 20 formed from the carrier stock 10 according to the preferred embodiment described above is suitable for larger, heavier containers, such as two litre or half-gallon bottles. A carrier 20' formed from the carrier is suitable for smaller, lighter containers, such as half-litre or one-pint bottles. In either embodiment described above, the location of the clusters of tabs generally along the longitudinal centre line of the carrier stock facilitates the winding of the carrier stock, since the additional material in that region tends to create a bridge or track on which the carrier stock is wound. The securement of the tabs to each other also eliminates snagging or entanglement of the tabs during the winding process. Preferably, in either embodiment described above, the carrier stock has two longitudinal rows of container-receiving apertures. Alternatively, subject to weight constraints, the carrier stock could have three or more longitudinal rows of such apertures.

Claims: Carrier stock (10) for machine application to substantially identical containers (12), said carrier stock (10) being made from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material, said carrier stock having integrally joined band segments (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) defining container-receiving apertures (14) arranged in longitudinal rows and transverse ranks to receive the individual containers (12), the band segments including generally longitudinal band segments (30, 32) and generally transverse band segments (34, 36), said carrier stock (10) having tear-open tabs (50), each tear-open tab (50) extending from an associated one of the band segments (38) defining an associated one of the container-receiving apertures (14), wherein selected ones of the generally transverse band segments (34) define transverse mid-lines, along which said stock (10) is severable to form individual carriers (20), characterised in that the end-most transverse rank of apertures in each individual carrier includes said tear-open tabs (50) which extend away from the associated aperture creating radially extending clusters, the tear-open tabs (50) of each cluster including two tear-open tabs (50) on each side of such a transverse mid-line. A carrier stock according to claim 1, wherein the generally longitudinal band segments (32) between the longitudinal rows of the container-receiving apertures (14) have longitudinal mid-lines, wherein the tear-open tabs (50) are arranged in clusters, and wherein the tear-open tabs (50) of each cluster include two tear-open tabs (50) on each side of such a longitudinal mid-line. A carrier stock according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tear-open tabs (50) of each cluster are connected to one another by frangible bridges (52). A carrier stock according to any one of the preceding claims, having at least one integrally joined band segment (40) defining an integral handle, which is disposed within a selected one of the container-receiving apertures (14) when said carrier stock (10) is unstressed. A carrier stock according to claim 4, having integral handles (40) in two diagonally opposed container-receiving apertures (14). A carrier stock according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the band segments defining the container-receiving aperture (14) that includes the integral handle (40) also include one of the tear-open tabs (50). A package comprising a carrier (20) formed from carrier stock in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, in combination with substantially identical containers (12) arranged in a generally rectangular array with one of the containers (12) being received in each of the container receiving apertures (14).

Inventors: BINSFELD MIKE, OLSEN ROBERT, WEAVER WILLIAM, BINSFELD, MIKE, OLSEN, ROBERT, WEAVER, WILLIAM
Applicants: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
Application year: 1994
Main classification: B65D71
IPC codes: B65D67, B65D71